Massachusetts business leaders are launching a program intended to connect employers with military veterans returning from overseas deployment or active duty.

The ‘‘Boots to Business’’ initiative will benefit some of the nearly 13,400 veterans who showed up for services at the state’s career centers last year. Only just over 5,200 of these veterans were employed.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development says Massachusetts has seen a 13 percent increase in the number of veterans discharged from military service within the last three years.

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The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce will host a kickoff event for the ‘‘Boots to Business’’ initiative in Boston on Thursday.

Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray will give opening remarks during the event that will also feature discussions on advantages of hiring veterans.